A flawed protagonist needs to face the consequences of his choices to do what is right, the classic premise of a possibly good story. The premise of Wild is the Wind.
Vusi wants to move up in life, he wants to provide his family with better conditions, accepting any path to reach his goal. His desire. We know that Vusi needs to learn.
Follows law enforcement partners Vusi Matsoso and John Smit, senior investigators trying to make a living through active corruption. Their personal problems lead them to work together to improve their financial situation.
The cinematography is good in several moments. Wild is the Wind is a strong story, and the cinematographer tries to show that.
But nothing is perfect. The antagonist's lack of development makes his journey insignificant, inexplicable. So inexplicable that, in the end, the feeling is that we have lost some scene, some point in history that gives meaning to the things the antagonist and Vusy said, to the events. This lack of development also makes the antagonist disconnected from the main events, almost secondary. A pity, because the antagonist seems to be convincing.
Wild is the Wind is an engaging, slow drama that captivates with its premise and theme. With minimal flaws, this film is recommended if you want a compelling story about racism, injustice and redemption.
From here on out, I'll discuss important scenes that reveal about the film. Spoilers! Be warned.
The ending is dissonant, almost exploitative. An unnecessary ending, created just to make it bitter, to say "look how tense and strong this movie is, how heavy this movie is".
Vusi dies. Vusi had everything to be able to get back on top, redeem himself, but he dies, without reason, without purpose, without a clue. Even his wife says that she waits for him, but that he needs to be ready. Vusi's bow could redeem him, but his redemption cost his life with no use for his sacrifice. The ending could be different, more alive, Vusi accepting who she is, fighting but in a fair way.
I needed to release this outcome from within myself.
